And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. ~Galatians 6:9 (AMPCE)
We all want everything in an instant, but the reality is that the "instant" usually isn't of much quality and rarely provides any lasting benefit. The cultivated and developed on the other hand can be quite substantial. It's in the cultivating and development phases that we have the opportunity to learn self-discipline and how to endure despite our circumstances. But far too often we allow ourselves to "lose heart" and become discouraged. That’s because hard work and patience are what strengthens our ability to forebear in any situation. Having patience helps us to not grow weary and shrink back from what God is trying to do on the inside of us. Building a strong character can go against every fiber of our natural man. Especially when our emotions jump in and tell us everything from “it’s too hard” to “I didn’t really want it that bad”. Giving up on our hopes and desires is a lot different than patiently waiting on God. Waiting on God is trusting as much in His timing as we do in His provision. We are told in Colossians 1:4 “for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].” (AMP) Are you leaning in absolute confidence on the Lord’s power, wisdom, and goodness? When we let ourselves get discouraged and lose hope, we lose ground. In Romans 4:18 the Lord tells us regarding Abraham “When it was beyond hope, he had faith in the hope that he would become the father of many nations, in keeping with the promise God spoke to him…” (CEB) Abraham did not allow himself the "luxury" of giving up and neither should we. At the end of your hope, you have to have faith in the word of God.
Life is a struggle, and the devil is determined to defeat and destroy us. All our hopes and all our dreams will never come to pass if we give up. Paul describes living by faith as a race. Nobody looks back in a race or they would lose for sure. Looking around will trip you up too! In life, just like in a race, we have to consistently look straight ahead to the Lord and His promise to us. Have you been looking back or at your current circumstances? Have you decided not to step out and trust God because of what happened last time or because everything around you isn’t lining up the way you would expect it to? Maybe you have decided you are going to lay low and avoid any hopes to avoid any disappointments. Well scripture says that isn’t what the Lord expects from us. The Lord tells us in Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (NIV) We will never reach a place where we don't have to fight the enemy while we are in this world. But it’s not just our fight. Jesus is with us, and He is for us. He is at our side to strengthen us, encourage us and to urge us onward. Surely, Gods promise of His goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life. God's word is a sure thing, we can take it as granted. It's the final authority in heaven and in the earth. Every day is a new day to lift your head and your hands to the Lord and believe again.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ~Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
Have you ever lost patience with the Lord and His timing? What hopes and desires have you given up on?
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